Analysis.

After a careful definition of the terms employed in the
controversy, the statement by Mr Goodwin
of the question at issue is objected to, and another proposed as more
correct, founded upon a passage in Scripture, Isa. iv.
5. Chap. i.

Five leading arguments are adduced in proof of the
perseverance of the saints:— It is argued, 1. From the divine nature
as immutable; under which head the following passages are considered,
Mal. iii. 6; James i. 16–18; Rom. xi. 29; Isa. xl. 27–31, xliv.
1–8. 2. From the divine purpose as immutable; and here
Scripture is first cited to prove the general immutability of the divine
purposes, Isa.
xlvi. 9–11; Ps. xxxiii.
9–11, etc.; — and then the special purpose of God to continue
his grace to true believers is proved by such passages as Rom. viii. 28; Jer. xxxi.
3; John
vi. 37–40; Matt. xxiv.
24; Eph. i.
3–5; 2
Thess. ii. 13, 14. 3. From the covenant of grace, the
enduring character and the infallible accomplishment of which are proved by
the removal of all causes of change by it, the stipulations of Christ as
mediator in it, and the faithfulness of God. 4. From the promises of
God, which are generally described, and, as intimating the perseverance
of the saints, proved to be unconditional, the following promises to this
effect receiving full elucidation: Josh. i.
5; Heb. xiii. 5; 1
Sam. xii. 22; Ps.
lxxxix. 30–37; Hos. ii.
19, 20; John x. 27–29. At this point the
consideration of the oath of God is deferred, under promise of
entering upon it at the close of the discussion; — a promise which the
author omits to fulfil. Two interesting digressions follow, affording
separate arguments in support of the doctrine; — on the mediation of
Christ, as comprehending his oblation and intercession, and on the
indwelling of the Spirit. And here the first part of the work concludes.
Chap. ii.–ix.

The second part consists in the improvement of the
doctrine, by showing how it conduces to the obedience and consolation of
the saints, chap. x., and in a
refutation of the following arguments of Mr
Goodwin in support of the opposite doctrine, — namely, 1. That it is
more effectual in promoting godliness; 2. That it does not make God an
accepter of persons; 3. That it has been the doctrine of the most pious men
in all ages; 4. That it imparts greater power to the exhortations of the
gospel; 5. That upon such a principle alone eternal life can be
legitimately promised as the reward of perseverance; 6. That it is proved
by the sins into which believers undoubtedly fall; 7. That it tends to the
consolation of the saints; and, lastly, That it is affirmed in eight
passages of Scripture, Ezek. xviii. 24, 25; Matt. xviii. 32–35; 1 Cor. ix. 27; Heb. vi.
4–8, x. 26–29, 38, 39; Matt. xiii. 20, 21; 2 Pet. ii. 18–22. Chap. xi.-xvii. — Ed.